“I have responded to rapes in progress and to homicides,” said Kerik, a former NYPD detective.

“My partner was shot and I’ve been to more than two dozen police funerals. I have known people, very good people, who have died in the line of duty.

“I know your job. And I want you to know that if anyone stands in this position who will support you, I want you to know it will be me,” Kerik said to a standing ovation.

Kerik then went on to tell the union delegates he is committed to improving relations with minority communities and getting respect for New York’s Finest.

“People in communities sometimes doubt us. They don’t understand us,” he said. “Sometimes they don’t understand your job. I will make that happen.”

Kerik then said that he needed the union’s support to “build bridges to the community” and to “make this department the best it’s ever been.”

But Kerik’s warmly received speech failed to mention the Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association’s hottest issue – salary – which was the central theme of PBA President Pat Lynch’s talk only moments earlier.

Kerik’s appearance marked the first time in several years that a commissioner or top brass have attended the union’s annual convention.

The PBA has been in a bitter battle with Mayor Giuliani over wages – the union’s relationship with him and former commissioner Howard Safir sank to its lowest levels when the union cast a unanimous “no-confidence vote” against Safir, demanding his resignation two years ago.

Lynch, in office one year, fired up his delegates with an appeal for getting the city’s 40,000 cops a raise to what he called a livable wage.

The delegates also thundered their approval when he criticized the federal Justice Department for pushing to monitor the NYPD.

“To say the NYPD needs oversight is an insult to every police officer who puts their life on the line,” Lynch said.